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Draft data. Times, fares and step counts are desk estimates awaiting field checks. How we verify
Source checked
A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked
Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated
Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

Driving abroad

Pick where you are driving and where your licence is from: side of the road, the permit you need, speed and alcohol limits, tolls and when to hire a driver instead.

Japan

Japan guide →

Traffic keeps

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Licence and permit

IDP requiredcheck

1949 convention

Only a 1949-convention IDP is accepted; 1968-format permits are refused. Licences from a few countries (e.g. France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, Taiwan) need an official Japanese translation instead. The IDP is valid for one year from entry.

Typical speed limits (km/h) check
Town30–60Open road50–60Motorway80–120
Drink-drive limit check
0.03% (breath 0.15 mg/L) — effectively none; passengers can be fined too
Rental age check
18+
Tolls, vignettes and zones check
Expressways are tolled and expensive; rent an ETC card with the car. The Japan Expressway Pass covers most tolls for visitors.

Desk table checked 2026-09. Rules change: the national road authority and your rental contract have the final word. Signs always beat this page.

Before you pick up the car

  • Get the IDP in your home country before you leave — they cannot be issued abroad. It is only valid with your actual licence.
  • Check that your travel insurance covers driving (and motorbikes, by engine size) in Japan.
  • Photograph the car all round, and ask how tolls and fines are billed back to your card.
  • Entry rules and documents: entry check.